After weeks of competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA was able to secure the Gold Medal by defeating the host country France with LeBron James being declared the MVP. To celebrate the achievement, the Lakers’ legend headed to a club in Paris with his wife Savannah, and as always, he was met by a bunch of cameras upon stepping out of the car with fans keen to have a glimpse of him. While most of the fans kept a distance, one French kid attempted to get close to the player for a selfie.

But, LeBron immediately dismissed him by saying something, which was inaudible. The video was captured by the bystanders and has now gone viral. LeBron’s mood, however, changed immediately after stepping into the club, as he started dancing along to the tunes and embracing the people inside.

Soon more angles of the video started coming in and it was reported that LeBron was heard saying, “Stop, stop, stop. Don’t do that.” The fan himself was shocked at the response, reportedly touching his chest to make an apologizing gesture. But as the video went viral, people did not take kindly to how LeBron reacted. Comments on social media, especially X, were filled with reactions like “Never meet your heroes kid” and “MJ would never do that.”

Well, earning fame is difficult, but living through it is even more difficult. Ever since LeBron James started to make waves in the basketball world, he became a source of attraction for sports enthusiasts everywhere. No matter where he would go, fans would throng him, asking him to either sign their jersey or sneakers or simply take a selfie.

The passage of time only increased LeBron’s fame, with fans coming up to him anywhere and everywhere. And it led to unpleasant interactions on many occasions. There were instances where the player ended up being unknowingly rude to the adoring fans.

Occasions where LeBron James has been unpleasant towards NBA fans

Pushing away an eager individual

Back in January 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers were playing against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Attendees saw LeBron sitting on the sidelines after he had checked out, putting on his warm-up gear. Suddenly, out of the blue, an enthusiastic fan approached the Lakers star, putting his arms around him and looking to engage him in a conversation. LeBron, possibly taken aback by the sudden greeting, pushed the fan aside. Soon, security guards approached the individual and took him away.

Almost jump-scaring a female viewer

On the court, NBA players are accustomed to dealing with trash talk. Rival players often try to put the opponents off their game by either using demotivating words or just slurs. However, when playing away from the home arena, it is not rare for the players to get heckled by the crowd as well. In one such instance, the Lakers star did not take things well.

During a playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, the referee made a foul call against LeBron James during the third quarter. The player didn’t agree with it, and was heard saying, “They are fuc**ng horrible.” A female Nuggets fan, who was sitting courtside, proceeded to say, “You’re a fuc**ng crybaby,” as the player walked by. LeBron instantly turned his head in her direction before moving it back, possibly jump-scaring her. He walked on with a smile, as she kept on trash-talking. But later, the player was seen mimicking her reaction.

Getting two NBA fans kicked out over a verbal attack

In most instances, any NBA player would ignore the belittling they get from the fans. After all, what better way to shut them down than to perform? However, when the verbal attacks targeted LeBron James’ family members, especially his son Bronny, he did not let it pass.

Back in 2021, a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers went into overtime. Midway through it, LBJ approached a referee, pointed his finger at two people occupying the courtside seat, and asked that they be removed.

After another official came around, the duo got up from their seats and left. The female fan sarcastically made a pouting gesture on the camera and mimicked fake tears, while the male fan laughed along. Soon, reports started coming in that one of the two fans was heard stating, “Hope Bronny dies in a car wreck.”

LeBron himself addressed the issue later, stating “There’s a difference from cheering for your team and not wanting the other team to win and things I would never say to a fan and they shouldn’t say to me.” In most instances, LeBron’s actions were justified. However, what transpired between him and the French fan in Paris was probably not justifiable. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.